The good news about great artists releasing new albums just keeps coming, setting up 2018 as a potential bumper crop year of critically-acclaimed releases, with the latest being Bloodshot Records signee Sarah Shook and her band The Disarmers announcing the release of her sophomore record Years on April 6th.

First featured by Saving Country Music in October of 2015 before barely anybody knew her beyond her home of North Carolina, Bloodshot picked up her debut album Sidelong and re-released it in 2017, becoming one of the favorite releases of many last year in the true country realm. Now with a head full of steam and much wider audience, Sarah Shook looks to go to the next level with the new album.

“This record is about finding a way,” says Shook. “A way through exhaustion, frustration, betrayal, hangover after hangover, upper after downer after upper, fight after never-ending fight. It’s about picking yourself and dusting yourself off after years of being trampled and beaten down, jutting your chin out, head high, after they’ve done their worst, and saying ‘Still here.'”

Not just listening to the songs of Sarah Shook, but delving into her personal story as a single mother, and a black sheep born into a family that only listened to worship music, she has persevered at every level to hold on to herself, and now has been able to create a sustainable career through pursuing her passion of music. It’s a true story of gutting it out and making it work against the odds.

Ahead of the release, Sarah has released a new song “Good As Gold.” She will also be touring throughout the spring to promote the release, including a stop by South By Southwest in March. Find the track list, tour dates, and the new song below, and pre-order the record through Bloodshot.

This song, “Good as Gold”… my first impression is the corners seem to be a bit rounded off compared to her music on the independent album. I guess that can be expected. Hopefully, some of the other tracks will be a bit more gritty and unpolished.

It matters to Shook… a ton. Like Willie is an advocate for the legalization of marijuana and Jr. is and advocate for NRA, Shook is an voluntary, active voice for the LGBTQ community.

She participated in the anti-House Bill 2 concert (the NC bathroom bill) and is the organizer of a 2-night music festival in Chapel Hill, NC – Manifest – that showcases bands that have at least one woman, LBBTQ , or minority member.

This is remarkable stuff for a woman trying to make it in a narrow-minded genre.

It also puts her music into context. After I first found out, I was like … ok… the song “Dwight Yoakam makes sense.”

I either saw in a video or some interview where she identified as a pansexual. I had never heard that term and had to look it up. I’m really looking forward to hearing a new album from her since she’s been one of my favorite female fronted groups since I heard about her years ago on this website.

“Sidelong” was a real bolt out of the blue. First song off this one sounds a little more down the middle but still with evocative vocals and lyrics and solid musical foundation. Pre-ordered the album and will be at a show in May!

“Sidelong” was a real bolt out of the blue. First song off this one sounds a little more down the middle but still with evocative vocals and lyrics and solid musical foundation. Pre-ordered the album and will be at a show in May!

Sidelong is part of my primary rotation. “Dwight Yoakam” is my favorite song on the album, but I like the whole thing. IMO that album is a good example of pushing the boundaries of country sound while still staying true to the core of what country music is. Will be very interested to see what happens with this new one.

Sidelong was fantastic.
Obviously, not for everyone..
It isn’t a cheery album, but it makes me feel good.
Had the opportunity to see her and loved the show.
Just got tix today for April.
Very happy about this.

She is extremely approachable and dedicated to being authenticate with her music. It’s 2018 don’t put her in a box, just go see her. This album might be different from the first because the band has changed. They are honest people.

Tremendous album, found it at my local record store over the weekend and remembered this review. Was very much glad I did, excellent stuff. SCM does a great job informing us on great artists like Sarah Shook and Billy Strings who would never so much as catch a glance from the radio, but tour long, tour hard and put out quality albums.